Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Brown, John (abolitionist)

For works with similar titles, see Brown, John.

BROWN, JOHN, an American opponent of slavery, born in Torrington, Conn., May 9, 1800. He early conceived a hatred for slavery, and, having removed to Osawatomie, Kan., in 1855, he took an active part against the proslavery party. In the summer of 1859 he rented a farmhouse about 6 miles from Harper's Ferry, and organized a plot to liberate the slaves of Virginia. On Oct. 16, he, with the aid of about 20 friends, surprised and captured the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, but was wounded and taken prisoner by the Virginia militia next day; and was tried and executed at Charlestown, Dec. 2, 1859.

JOHN BROWN, ABOLITIONIST